Just like you, we also like exotic supercars, monstrous SUVs and offbeat concepts. But small cars have a special attachment for us as they have revolutionize the Indian automotive scene. Even globally, the trend of small superminis is catching up with developed markets like US and UK shifting their likings to hatchbacks.
Embracing the trend is Mitsubishi which will showcase its new small car Mirage at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Mirage is the production version of the Global Small Concept that was first shown in Geneva earlier this year. This B segment hatchback measures 3,710mm long, 1,665mm wide and 1490mm high and is specifically developed for the emerging markets.
As one can see, the production version is nowhere near to the concept version that was showcased in Geneva. The styling is considerable toned down to makes sure that the cost doesn’t rises exponentially. The idea behind Mirage is plain and simple – a cheap urban runabout Period!
With the rising fuel prices, Mitsubishi is gone to great lengths to make sure that the Mirage delivers the best possible mileage – a mindboggling 30km/lt. The company has taken the help of lightweight materials, a reduction in rolling resistance and higher efficiency through detailed improvements to the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, and aerodynamics, all aimed to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Fuel saving technologies such as regenerative braking and an auto start-stop system will also be available in the Mirage.
The pony power will be delivered by 1.0-liter to 1.2-liter gasoline engines mated to a new generation CVT gearbox. The Mirage will be on sale in Thailand in March of 2012, more and more markets will be added as the time passes.
Back home, Mitsubishi India is an a dormant mode with no new models on cards. The company is just launching special editions and variants to survive. The Mirage will certainly turn a few heads in the Indian automotive scene.
Do you want the Mirage to be launched in India?
[...] am sure you must have participated in our discussion on whether the Mitsubishi Mirage is suitable for the Indian Market. At the Tokyo Motorshow, Mitsubishi Motors have finally taken the wraps of their new little wonder. [...]
I think this small car version will turn the futures of Mitsubishi in INDIA…
But they need to ramp up the sales & service which is really important…
There is no doubt that this one has resemblance to the Hyundai i20. Unless Mitsubishi backs up this car with good sales and service network across the country, it will meet similar fate as that of Fiat. With so many cars around, Indian buyers have become more choosy. Looking forward to its launch in India.
Mitsubishi Mirage looks good. Keep the length to the smallest. Have enogh LED derivaties in front and back including daylight driving.
I have been using Mitsubishi Lanncer LXD since 2005 and I found the very reliable, steady,powerful and good looking prestigeous car. I am sure Mitsuvbishi will not sacrfice any of these in their new mini car Mirage. It will be a wonderful if is aimed at 30Km/l in the diesel version. This will definetely sold at large scale on top of any other car.
I feel that this is a very important product for Mitsubishi in India if its launched with a sub 4-5 lakhs price tag to compete in the B-B+ segment. And Mitsubishi should really bring this as early as possible to India before other companies eat up the market with their soon to be launched models. Coz to be frank, if you want to be a Global Company, you will need to have a presence in the Indian automobile market with Global products. And wot better product to launch in India, than a A or B segment vehicle.
With respect to the Mirage, I do find it a tad similar to the Hyundai i20, however I like the rear of this Mirage much more than the i20.
Well if this 30 kmpl comes as ARAI and the car be priced in the league of Ford Figo or Chevy Beat, backed with good servicing then it may change the scenario of Mitsubishi India. The car itself looks like the cheaper Hyundai i20.
Yes for sure it can launched in India
Actually, the spot that this car might fit in is already full and filling up even more every month. Mitsubishi has not offered anything substantial to India and their cars are way overpriced. People should show that they shouldn’t be here if they aren’t serious (by not buying their CBU and CKD cars). My comments are based on the few photos here but the impression I get is that it is a cheap car in build and quality. Why should Mitsubishi bring it to India and charge us an arm and a leg to buy it? It is time we start demanding quality and at a reasonable price.
Mitsubishi is good brand. Mirage was and is a nice car. Mitsubishi should take care of Dealers/Service and availability of Spares.
No, no, no, he’s right. There’s a considerable loss of personality between the concept and the finished product.
And the interior finishes might work well for developing markets, but they’re not for European quality standards. This car has nothing going for it.
“the production version is nowhere near to the concept version that was showcased in Geneva”. I don’t agree, The Production version is indeed just a polished and simplified output of the Concept. The basic lines are very obvious and carried out from the concept.
+1 to you